DARK MAGIC

An adequate thriller set in a world that includes demons, witches, warlocks and New Yorkers.

Peter Warlock is not only a professional magician but a real warlock. One day, he foresees catastrophe in Manhattan’s Times Square: People will suddenly drop dead in large numbers, but his vision cannot explain why. As with any good fictional disaster, it’s going to happen soon, so he has a tight deadline. But exactly what will happen, and who will do it? Police are skeptical of Peter’s warning, because they are ordinary humans. So he and his friends try hard to pinpoint the threat, and they manage to enlist key support from a cop. Meanwhile, a man ominously named Wolfe gives them a devil of a time. Peter’s character is well developed, with a dark side that balances his fundamental decency and loyalty to his friends. Other characters have less dimension, with Wolfe simply being a bad dude employed by the evil Order of Astrum. A second villain has a motivation to kill that just makes no sense. But accept the premise that ghosts and other spirits exist, and you’ll find a decent read.

An ably told tale that will keep you entertained during a long plane ride or a few idle hours. But like some of Peter’s friends who lose their memories, you may not long recall having read this book.